help to identify a large moth

sallyf · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 04:22 PM

hi
we have found a large moth that has a wing span of 17cm. Does anyone have any idea what it is as we can't find any information. We are located in the midlands area.
thanks
sally

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 04:48 PM

Wow, an absolute stunner! Where did you find it? We don't have any native or introduced moths of this size in the UK. It's from the Saturniidae family, and must have escaped from a private collection if it's alive as it seems to be.

Someone will help more soon

EDIT: How and where exactly did you find it - type of place, habitat, etc.?

sallyf · #3 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 05:46 PM

Thanks for the reply. The moth was found in a backgarden but we have kept it in a box. Does anyone have any idea how to look after it...what does it eat? etc....
many thanks
sally

2dogs2000 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 05:46 PM

That is one huge moth

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sallyf

Thanks for the reply. The moth was found in a backgarden but we have kept it in a box. Does anyone have any idea how to look after it...what does it eat? etc....
many thanks
sally

No idea of what it eats - until we get an ID. I suggest you also post it on Worldwide Wildlife and Environment Forum as although this moth was found in the UK, it is an overseas species. Are there any moth keepers or even museums keeping moths in your area? Oh, and what part of the Midlands are you in? PM me if you wish, then I can help you send the record and photo to your area's moth recorder. S/he will be very interested in this and may be able to identify it fr you.

Jason Green · #6 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 06:06 PM

Ok here's the website for the West Midlands Moth Study Group - West Midlands Moth Study Group - Home Page - you may find contact details there.

sallyf · #7 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 07:39 PM

Thanks for that. I have just sent an email to the Leicestershire Moth recorder.
It is fascinating to learn about the various types of moths, i'd no idea that there was so many different species. I have been researching the Saturniidae family on the internet, but i haven't yet managed to exact one. The moth now appears to be having eggs but i assume that they won't be fertilised!

roundwood123 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 07:41 PM

I am no expert on North American species but your Moth looks like a Polyphemus Moth, There may be similar species so i cant be 100% sure. Steve

Cheryl · #9 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 07:45 PM

How fantastic!!! Looking forward to hearing what you find out about it

Jason Green · #10 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 08:57 PM

Well done Sally, a great work Roundwood. I agree with the ID, and these are the foodplants from Wiki:

* Betula, (birch)
* Salix, (willow)
* Quercus, (oak)
* Acer, (maple)
* Carya, (hickory)
* Fagus, (beech)
* Gleditsia triacanthos, (honey locust)
* Juglans, (walnut)
* Pyrus, (pear and quince)
* Prunus, (plum, peach, apricot, cherry, etc.)
* Sassafras
* Citrus, (orange, grapefruits, lemons, limes, etc.)
* Ulmus americana, (American elm)

Sally, do you have any of these near you? Well, more the Willow, Oak, Beech, Birch, etc.?

Oh, and a page with details about their life-cycle: Giant Silk Moths (Saturniidae) of Manitoba.

I'd love to know how this got here. An imported egg or similar? An escapee from a rearer? Anyway, a very exciting piece of news - thanks for posting!